Dear Audubon Advocate,

Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature must agree on a final state budget for FY 2025, and birds are telling us that we must do more to invest in their future.

New York State’s environmental funding helps birds and people by conserving wildlife habitat, protecting clean water, and improving the quality of life in every county of the state.

But this important funding is at risk. In her budget proposal, the Governor has cut core environmental funding. We need your help to restore these cuts and ensure environmental funding remains whole in the final state budget.

Urge Governor Hochul and the state Legislature to restore environmental funding now!

Here is what we need:

Environmental Protection Fund. The EPF has created 350,000 jobs across NYS and generates $40 billion in economic activity each year. We support at least $400 million for the EPF without any offloads for staffing at state agencies.

Capital Investments in our State Parks and DEC Facilities. Every dollar invested in our parks generates $5 of economic activity, and with record-breaking numbers of visitors this year, it's more important than ever to invest in our parks and DEC facilities. We support at least $250 million in funding for capital projects at our state parks and $90 million in capital funding for the DEC.

Money to Fix Our Pipes. With $40 billion in unmet water infrastructure needs coming due over the next decade and the need to address emerging contaminants, NYS must renew its commitment to providing adequate funding. We support at least $600 million in funding for CWIA for FY 2025 as part of a new $4 billion commitment over the next five years. 

By speaking up today, you are helping New York State lead the way to a brighter and greener future - full of birdsong.